NYCT installs arrival clocks on E, G subway stations

The agency aims to install countdown clocks at all lettered line stations by 2017's end.Photo – NYCT

MTA New York City Transit (NYCT) has installed countdown clocks at all stations on the E and G rail lines to provide real-time arrival information.

The agency is using so-called "beacon technology" to power the clocks. The technology involves putting four low-energy Bluetooth beacons on each trainset and two receivers on each platform. LCD display screens at the stations then use that technology to provide real-time arrival information, NYCT officials said in a press release.

"Beacon technology does not involve invasive modifications to station infrastructure and can be deployed at a fraction of the costs associated with the countdown clocks already in the system," said Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Managing Director Veronique Hakim.

Countdown clocks will be installed at all lettered line stations by the end of the year. The accelerated effort to bring real-time arrival information is part of the MTA's Subway Action Plan aimed at stabilizing and improving the system. A key part of that plan calls for providing better train-arrival and other information to riders.

There are now 296 stations with countdown clocks, including 156 stations on numbered lines and 24 L Line stations. The L Line clocks are connected to the route's communications-based train control (CBTC) signal system.

The 7 Line also will get countdown clocks after CBTC installation is completed later this year.